For the first time in its 145-year history, Delhi’s iconic St. Stephen’s College has appointed a woman principal. Professor Susan Elias, a computer scientist and academic administrator, will officially assume office as the institution’s 14th principal on June 1, 2026, succeeding Professor John Varghese.

Her appointment also brings an end to the prolonged administrative deadlock between the college and University of Delhi over the position.

The announcement was widely welcomed by alumni, students, and academics, many describing it as a “long overdue” milestone for the historic institution. Unlike most of her predecessors, who came from backgrounds in the humanities, theology, politics, or liberal arts, Professor Elias brings more than three decades of experience in engineering education, interdisciplinary research, and academic leadership.

Professor Elias began her academic career in Chennai and advanced into senior leadership and research administration roles over three decades. She earned her BE in Computer Science from Bharath Engineering College, followed by an ME and PhD from Anna University, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Indian Institute of Technology Madras.

She has held key leadership positions at Chandigarh University, Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science, and Vellore Institute of Technology, with expertise spanning AI, healthcare, digital health, and interdisciplinary research. Her research interests include machine learning, explainable AI, medical imaging, federated learning, and robotics, supported by projects funded by DRDO, DST, and MeitY.

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